At $2,257/yr net price, Ventura College graduates earn $43,430/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,430/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $2,257 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $9,028 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,430/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,430/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,876 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $1,844/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $1,803/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $2,939/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $6,684/yr |
| $110,001+ | $8,896/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $74,576 | $17,523 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,774 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $16,169 |
The Risk Factor
42.6% of students at Ventura College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Ventura College costs $2,257 a year net, and you can leave with a median debt of $13,876. That debt load is low enough that even the median 10-year earnings of $43,430 covers it without much strain. For a public two-year school, the math works out in your favor, but only if you pick the right program.
Nursing is the reason to come here. The associate nursing track pays roughly $74,576 ten years out, more than double what the general Liberal Arts path returns. Even after carrying the highest program debt on campus ($17,523), nursing pays that back fast. If a nursing seat is your goal, Ventura is a strong financial bet.
The other programs are weaker. Criminal Justice lands near $29,685, Liberal Arts around $25,774, and Business Administration reports about $16,169 , below what many jobs requiring no degree pay. If you enroll in Business or a general studies track expecting a payoff, the numbers don't support it. Treat those as transfer stepping stones to a four-year degree, not endpoints.
The main risk is the 42.6% graduation rate. More than half of students don't finish, and debt without a credential is the worst outcome here. If you're not confident you'll complete, that risk is real for you.
Net price barely moves for families under $48k, sitting near $1,800. Above $75k it jumps to $6,684, and over $110k it hits $8,896 , still cheap by college standards, but roughly quintuple what lower-income families pay. Ventura fits you best if you're aiming at nursing or using it as a low-cost transfer route. If you want a terminal Business or general associate degree and expect strong earnings, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ventura College worth the cost?
At $2,257 per year, Ventura College offers strong value for students who complete their programs, especially in nursing which leads to $74,576 median earnings. However, the 42.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts overall ROI.
What are the best paying programs at Ventura College?
Nursing programs at Ventura College provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $74,576 annually. Business and liberal arts programs show much lower earnings at $16,169 and $25,774 respectively.
How much debt do Ventura College graduates have?
Ventura College graduates who borrow money typically owe $13,876 in student loans. Given the low annual cost of $2,257, this debt level suggests students either take longer than expected to graduate or transfer to more expensive schools.
Does Ventura College have good job placement rates?
Ventura College graduates earn $43,430 ten years after starting college, which is reasonable for a community college. The earnings vary dramatically by program, with nursing graduates making nearly three times more than business graduates.